The faithful started lining up in the wee hours of Tuesday morning for the Thursday 8 a.m. opening of the MacKenzie-Childs Barn Sale. This is all for the privilege of snagging high-end housewares at bargain basement prices.

By the time I showed up at the Aurora headquarters of MacKenzie-Childs at 9 a.m. Sunday, almost 20,000 people had already shopped the sale, says Howard Cohen, the company chief financial officer who lives in Brighton. I was going to pass on the sale this year as I have more than enough black and white checkered pieces from years of hoarding at the annual sale. But my 12-year-old daughter insisted it's a family tradition, adding that it's about the experience of touring the site and viewing the dollhouse on display and not just about getting stuff.

Many items were sold out by the time we arrived, such as the Hunter rain boots I had my eye on and dog accessories. Different deals were offered each day. On Sunday, you get to take 20 additional percent off glassware. So my major bargain was a painted glass decanter that was 80 percent off plus another 20 percent off. Aurora enamelware was 70 percent off Sunday and I picked up a salad bowl for $15.

We waited about 40 minutes in line to get in and attendants strap wristbands on you as you move to the front to make sure no one cuts the line. My husband was approached by a car with three ladies on his way out asking for his and my daughter's wristbands so they may cut the line. He conceded and gave them the bands. I would have said no, wait your turn like everyone else.